Princeton Rays sweep doubleheader with 13-7 win over Pulaski

The Game: The Princeton Rays offense came alive, scoring 13 runs on 17 hits to defeat the Pulaski Mariners and sweep Saturday’s double header. The Rays took the lead right out of the box in the first inning. Seth Henry singled to center. Cody Rogers hits a ball to center and came all the way around to score along with Henry thanks to a fielding error by Pulaski’s center fielder Jarrett Burgees. Ryan Wiegand continued his hot streak from game one with a solo home run to put the Rays ahead 3-0.

Princeton’s starter Deivis Mavares held a no-hitter into the fourth when Pulaski’s Vincent Catriacala singled to right to give the Mariner’s their first hit of the game. Catriacala advanced to second on a ground out by Tim Morris and then to third on a wild pitch. Tommy Johnson hit an RBI single to score Catriacala and bring the Mariners within two runs, 3-1.

The Princeton offense came alive in the later innings of the game, scoring ten runs in the final three frames of the game. Ryan Wiegand got things started in the fifth with his second home run of the game, a solo shot to right. Julio Cedeno then hit a single to left followed by Jason Patton drawing a walk. David Wendt then drew a walk to load the bases for the P-Rays. Tomas Francisco drove home two runs with a double to left and the Rays increased their lead to 6-1.

Princeton kept the momentum going into the sixth by posting four more runs to the scoreboard. Seth Henry led off the inning with a walk and later advanced to third on a double by Cody Rogers. Henry then scored on a wild pitch. Julio Cedeno doubled home Rogers and Wiegand then later scored on an RBI double by David Wendt to put the Rays on top 10-1.

But the Princeton offense was still not finished, picking up three more runs in the seventh. Ty Morrison doubled to left to get things going. Morrison later scored on an RBI single by Ryan Wiegand. Julio Cedeno then singled to left to score Wiegand for the second run of the inning. Tomas Francisco drove home Cedeno for the final run of the inning with single to left, giving Princeton a 13-1 lead.

Pulaski tried to mount a comeback in the seventh inning by posting six runs on the scoreboard. The inning started with back to back walks to Tim Morris and Emmanuel Familia. Gabriel Noriega singled to score Morris for the first run. Fred Bello then drove home Familia thanks to a fielding error by Ty Morrison. Greg Waddell drew a walk to load the bases for Pulaski. The Mariners got back to back two run doubles by Brandon Haveman and Vincent Catriacala. But the Rays shut the door to any further scoring and held for the 13-7 victory.

Deivis Mavares was the winning pitcher, pitching 5 innings and allowing 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 2 and walking 1. Matt Stabelfeld was hit around, surrendering 6 runs on 3 hits wile striking out 1 and walking 3. Tyler Oakes recorded the final out of the last inning. Yao Wen Chang was charged with the loss for Pulaski.

What Went Right: Ryan Wiegand; 3 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBI’s and 4 run scored. Julio Cedeno; also 3 for 5 with a double, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.

What Went Wrong: Matt Stabelfeld; hit up for 6 runs in the seventh inning and allowed 3 walks. Dan Rhault; 0 for 5 with 3 strikeouts, only Ray not to get a hit.

A Look Ahead: The Rays wrap up their series with the Mariners on Sunday night at Calfee Park.